Manila
A curated guide to Manila, Philippines: 8 top sights, 8 standout places to eat, where to stay, and a sample itinerary.
What to see
- The Dessert Museum 4.8★ (6,400 reviews) · Modern art museum
- National Museum of Fine Arts 4.7★ (9,400 reviews) · Tourist attraction
- National Museum of Natural History 4.7★ (6,100 reviews) · Natural history museum
- San Agustin Church 4.6★ (5,400 reviews) · Tourist attraction
- Fort Santiago 4.5★ (12,000 reviews) · Tourist attraction
- Rizal Park 4.5★ (30,000 reviews) · Tourist attraction
- Art In Island 4.5★ (2,800 reviews) · Tourist attraction
- The Mind Museum 4.4★ (3,200 reviews) · Science museum
Where to eat
- Firefly Roofdeck Restaurant, Makati 4.6★ (4,000 reviews) · Restaurant
- Harbor View Restaurant 4.4★ (2,900 reviews) · Restaurant
- Terraza Martinez 4.8★ (1,500 reviews) · Restaurant
- Dr. Wine Poblacion Makati 4.6★ (1,500 reviews) · French
- Sky Deck 4.4★ (1,500 reviews) · Restaurant
- Commune Café + Bar + Roastery 4.4★ (1,500 reviews) · Coffee shop
- 1919 Grand Cafe 4.5★ (1,300 reviews) · Cafe
- El Mundo Cafe 4.7★ (902 reviews) · Cafe
Where to drink
- O2 Rooftop Bar 4.8★ (2,200 reviews) · Lounge bar
- Monarch Manila 4.9★ (1,200 reviews) · Bar
- Mansion Sports Bar and Lounge (now Monarch Manila) 4.8★ (1,100 reviews) · Sports bar
- The Spirits Library 4.7★ (530 reviews) · Cocktail bar
- Banter and Jive 4.9★ (202 reviews) · Cocktail bar
A sample 3-day shape
Day 1
- Morning: The Dessert Museum
- Afternoon: San Agustin Church
- Dinner: Firefly Roofdeck Restaurant, Makati
- Nightcap: O2 Rooftop Bar
Day 2
- Morning: National Museum of Fine Arts
- Afternoon: Fort Santiago
- Dinner: Harbor View Restaurant
- Nightcap: Monarch Manila
Day 3
- Morning: National Museum of Natural History
- Afternoon: Rizal Park
- Dinner: Terraza Martinez
- Nightcap: Mansion Sports Bar and Lounge (now Monarch Manila)
This is a starting shape — plan your own Manila trip →
Frequently asked
How many days do you need in Manila?
With 19 notable sights and 15 standout eateries, 2–4 days covers the essentials at a relaxed pace.